Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav has formally urged the Centre to issue a ₹150 commemorative coin and a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 150th Prakat Din of Sant Gajanan Maharaj, a revered spiritual figure whose legacy spans Maharashtra and beyond. The request was communicated through separate letters to three senior Union Ministers on 25 July.

What Jadhav Has Proposed

The 150th Prakat Din of Sant Gajanan Maharaj falls on 17 February 2028, marking the sesquicentennial of the saint's first appearance at Shegaon in Maharashtra's Buldhana district in February 1878. Jadhav has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, requesting each ministry to consider the proposal and issue necessary directions to the relevant authorities.

Significance of Sant Gajanan Maharaj and Shegaon

According to Jadhav's letters, Sant Gajanan Maharaj holds a deeply revered place in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Maharashtra and India. The saint's life and teachings — centred on spirituality, devotion, compassion, selfless service, and human welfare — are chronicled in the religious text Shri Gajanan Vijay, which continues to hold special significance among his followers. Since the saint's first appearance there, Shegaon has grown into one of India's prominent pilgrimage centres, drawing devotees from across the country and abroad.

Role of Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan

Jadhav also highlighted the wide-ranging contributions of Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon, in the fields of education, healthcare, rural development, social welfare, and humanitarian service. He noted that these efforts have reinforced Shegaon's identity as a centre of both spiritual and community service. The Minister further recalled that the President of India visited Shegaon on 25 February 2026 to inaugurate the National Arogya Fair organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush — a visit he said underscored the town's national importance.

The Case for National Recognition

Jadhav argued that issuing the commemorative coin and postage stamp would constitute a fitting national tribute to Sant Gajanan Maharaj and honour the faith and sentiments of millions of devotees. He expressed confidence that the proposal would receive favourable consideration from the concerned ministries. If approved, the initiative would place Sant Gajanan Maharaj alongside other spiritual and historical figures who have been similarly honoured by the Indian government. The 150th Prakat Din in 2028 provides a clear milestone for the Centre to act upon the request.